Reply #49: of course he was facing a tough campaign

[venable]

that doesn't mean he got out because he was going to lose the seat, which you claim without equivocation.

I don't want to pretend that Edwards is perfect in every way (I regret his war resolution vote as much as he does), but I do think he is an extraordinary man who has gone very far politically while staying very true to himself and his beliefs (ie he has compromised less than most pols must), and he is strong enough to change course when it is clear that he should, and he is freakishly intelligent and communicates extraordinarily well, and his appeal cuts across the political spectrum (check out The Nation's coverage of his candidacy), he has great values and puts his time and effort where his mouth is, and he is very electable.

Peace